§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the health trusts in Scotland to discuss the proposed reorganisation of the NHS trusts in Scotland. [56112]
§ Mr. GalbraithI chair meetings of Chairmen and General Managers of Health Boards and Chairmen and Chief Executives of Trusts on a quarterly basis. The options for Trust configuration were the subject of widespread consultation by Health Boards and, in making their recommendations, Health Boards took the views expressed into account. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I announced the reduction in the number of NHS Trusts from 46 to 28 on 3 September. We remain committed to ensuring that the new configuration of Trusts will reduce bureaucracy so that the maximum amount of resources are available for direct investment in patient care.